Women's Leadership Council

Established in 2020, the Southern Illinois University Women’s Leadership Council is a network of alumnae, parents and friends who are committed to creating a culture of women-driven philanthropy at SIU and mentoring future generations of Salukis. Council members contribute their time, energy, resources and expertise serving on University boards and championing SIU in their home regions. Embodying a legacy of leadership, the Council collectively funds women’s initiatives and scholarships on campus.

The vision of the WLC Mentor Program is to facilitate the connection of students with successful women mentors to align classroom learning with real-life experiences, develop leadership skills, network, and explore career paths after college. The goals of the WLC Mentor Program are as follows:

1. Facilitate professional growth, development, and confidence of mentees
2. Provide an avenue for women to develop and demonstrate leadership abilities
3. Provide networking opportunities to enhance teamwork, professional insight, coaching, development and realization of the value of women’s contributions to SIU Carbondale and future organizations
4. Create life-long donors focused on contributing to the sustainability to SIU Carbondale

Giving Priorities

Women’s Leadership Council Activity Fund- This fund will develop and further the mission of the Women's Leadership Council by supporting the mentorship program and women initiatives across campus.